SHARONVILLE — The Cincinnati Reds may be having problems this season, but the Cincinnati Red Stockings are doing just fine. The vintage “base ball” team and its crosstown rival, the Cincinnati Buckeyes, win at least as many games as they lose. There are no contract disputes and there is no pressure to trade players.

IF YOU GO

• What: Cincinnati Red Stockings home games   • When: July 29 (Piqua), Aug. 5 (Swamp Frogs), Aug. 12 (Buckeyes), Aug. 19 (Black Stockings), Sept. 9 (Clodbusters), Sept. 30 (Capitals). All games at 2 p.m.   • Where: Heritage Village   • Admission: $1   • Information: 563-9484.

        The teams played each other Sunday on the Red Stockings' home turf, Heritage Village Museum in Sharon Woods Park. They are among 20 vintage teams active in Ohio, and travel as far as Akron and Toledo in the course of their seasons.

        Since 1988, these weekend sportsmen have been re-creating baseball as it was played in the sport's early days. Their uniforms, equipment and rules duplicate those used in the 1860s.

        “What I really enjoy about this is the camaraderie and the sportsmanship,” said Doug Rowe, the Red Stockings' catcher. “I get tired of guys' foul mouths and ill tempers in regular baseball. We don't tolerate it.”

        Cries of “Well struck, sir!” follow a solid hit into the outfield. re Players treat their opponents with respect and don't challenge the umpire.

        This season the Red Stockings and Buckeyes are playing according to the 1869 rules, which differ dramatically in several respects from today's game.

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